April is Stress Awareness Month and we all experience stress from time to time, but too much stress can have a negative impact on both your physical and mental wellbeing. The pandemic has also undoubtedly added to everyone’s stress levels as we all try to deal with the uncertainty of the past year or so.
There are a number of simple things you can do to help you cope with stress, and I have listed my top suggestions below:
Connect with supportive people: Meet up with your friends and go for a walk together and lean on good listeners for support. This will help release hormones and reduce stress
Carve out some ‘you time’: Engage in activities that bring you enjoyment – whether it’s painting, gardening or reading – do something for yourself, this will also help to reduce your stress levels
Try to get regular exercise: Even a daily 20-minute walk can help balance the nervous system and increase your circulation – this will help to flush out the stress hormones
Eat well and limit alcohol and stimulants: Alcohol, nicotine and caffeine may all temporarily relieve stress, but all have the potential to make stress worse in the long term. Well nourished people cope better with stress. Start your day with a good breakfast, add more fruit and vegetables to your diet and drink more water
See a counsellor, coach or therapist: If you find your negative thoughts overwhelming and you are unable to make positive changes then it might be time to seek professional help
At Therapy for Growth I provide a safe, confidential, non-judgmental and calm place and space to talk. I understand that every battle with any problem, difficulty or loss is individual, each with a unique set of circumstances and ways of dealing with it.
Why don’t you contact me on hello@therapyforgrowth.co.uk to find out how I can help you.
